Toshiba Debuts Symbio Smart Home Device

Toshiba has announced Symbio, a new smart home device that combines a security camera, smart speaker, and other functions in one product.

Toshiba

Symbio is being billed as a “smart home solution,” rather than any one specific type of product. The device contains: a wireless security camera, smart speaker, voice control with Amazon Alexa, an intercom, smart sound detector and an expandable smart home hub.

While it’s a bit of a stretch to consider this some sort of bold, completely new device — after all, many security cameras detect sound, and multiple smart speakers can use voice control and act as a sort of smart home hub — it’s still an interesting, ambitious concept.

The Features

The smart speaker can stream music from a number of services, or it can be used as a Bluetooth speaker. It can also use Amazon’s Alexa, much like any of Amazon’s own Echo devices.

Toshiba claims that Symbio is a “smart sound detector,” meaning that it can recognize sounds such as a crying baby, barking dog, a loud crash, or an alarm from an older smoke detector.

Symbio also acts a sort of intercom which can make hands-free voice calls, and the system can also be a smart home hub, though it’s unclear which devices are compatible — Toshiba says “hundreds” at this time.

Control

Both iOS and Android users can download the Toshiba Smart Home app to control Symbio. The app can be set to Away mode to lower the temperature and enable security alerts within your home. When you return, Home mode can turn on the lights and adjust the thermostat accordingly. And Sleep mode can turn off the lights and lock the doors when it’s bedtime.

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Phil Dzikiy is the former editor in chief of Security Baron. Before, he has worked as a freelance writer and editor at websites like Wirecutter.com and iLounge.com along with publications like the Lockport Union Sun & Journal and the Greater Niagara Newspapers. With digital and print experience under his belt, Phil has a passion for all things technology including home security, cyber security, and the smart home. His bachelor's degree in Journalism from the University of Maryland College Park initially landed Phil his first job at the Beaver County Times, which has lead to over 15 years of experience as a journalist.